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No Summer Internship? No Problem

Didn’t get that summer internship that you wanted? Don’t worry, there are still some things that you can do this summer instead of having Netflix marathons.

1. Get a Part-Time Job

Some work experience is better than no work experience. So if you can find a part-time job, I suggest you do it. You never know who you might meet and making some extra cash is never a bad thing. A part-time job doesn’t have to mean flipping burgers. You can work at amusement parks, movie theaters, restaurants, and other places.

2. Become an Expert

Take this time to learn as much as you can about the industry that you want to be in. For example, I want to work in public relations and personal branding, so I read many articles, books, and blogs on those subjects so that I can always stay current. This actually helps give you an edge over others because you know what is going on in the industry.

3. Conduct Some Informational Interviews

So you didn’t get that internship, and you feel rejected (p.s. my friend Mia made a cool video on job rejection, check it out here). But don’t let that keep you out of the industry, reach out to people who work for the company you want to work for or people that you know and see if you can set up an informational interview. The purpose of this is to learn more about their specific job and how they got there. The great thing about this is that you expanded your network and when you apply again next year there will already be a person who knows you.

4. Attend Networking Events or Create Your Own

Expanding your network is another great thing you can do. Search for networking events that you can attend. Let the people who you talk to know that you are a student who is interested in gaining more experience in the industry. If you have business cards I highly suggest that you bring them and collect as many as you can. If there aren’t any events like that in your area, then create your own. You can invite friends with the same major and those you interviewed or your LinkedIn connections.

5. Freelance Your Services

If you have a service that you really want to practice or gain exposure with, why not freelance your services? This will show that you can take initiative and that you have an entrepreneurial spirit. This is definitely something that you can add to your resume and way to make extra cash. You can use social media to promote your business.